Environmental Groups Challenge Changes to Endangered Species Act Definition

Why it matters locally: Utah, home to numerous endangered species and vast federal lands, could see significant effects on wildlife conservation efforts and the regulation of land use if the definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act changes.

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Washington D.C. — Several environmental organizations have filed lawsuits challenging a recent change to the definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. The Trump administration implemented this alteration. The Endangered Species Act uses the term "harm" to define actions that negatively affect protected wildlife. Plaintiffs argue that the administrative reinterpretation of this term may reduce the scope of protections currently afforded to various species. The lawsuits specifically address how the federal government defines what constitutes damage to wildlife populations and their habitats. This definition influences regulatory enforcement and conservation efforts across the United States. Further details on the specific legal arguments presented by the environmental groups have not yet been released. Officials from the administration have not publicly commented on the reasons behind the redefinition.